Check it out. Money Magazine just featured another Millionaire in the Making profile: The Rodrigueses. I’ll add this one to my complete list of Millionaires in the Making, and discuss their profile below.
Not into future millionaires? Check out this list of Extreme Savers.
The Rodrigueses
At first glance, I thought the Rodrigueses were just another typical get-rich-quick in real estate millionaire couple from California. Big whoop, right? If you look closer though, you’ll see that they do have some excellent saving, spending, and giving habits which have them headed towards an early retirement. In my opinion though, if they don’t cut out some of their unnecessary risk, they may not get there.
The Stats
John and Gina, both only 27, have amassed a net worth of $516K, and have a goal of retiring by 40. They make a combined $174,000 annually at Microsoft (John), and at a boutique shop (Gina) that they own.
They have about $150k in their 401(k) and $140k in cash savings. John also has around $90K in stock. Nice. The remainder of their net worth is made up primarily of supposed real estate equity and equity in their small business.
The Frugal Life
While the savings is definitely impressive (in both size and how early they started), their spending habits seem excellent for someone of their income. They only spend $300 annually on clothes, they split meals when they dine out (which is rare for them), and they sold their house to go rent for $600 a month (some one’s been reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad). They’re really living below their means here.
The Business of Things
John and Gina have a high risk tolerance and entrepreneurial spirit. They have rental properties in Phoenix and San Antonio which are currently running at a negative cash flow. They also took on $75K in debt to own a boutique shop.
Risk Without Reward
In typical Money Magazine fashion, the financial experts are unleashed on the Rodridueses’ portfolio. I agree with what they have to say. The way I see it, the Rodrigueses are taking on too much risk with the small business and rental real estate. They could drop both the small business and real estate right now and still have a net worth of around $375K. With John’s income and some part time work for Gina they could be well on the “secure” path to retirement at 40.
What Others Are Saying
- Success Stories: Couple Hits $515K Net Worth by Age 27 @ CANIGETRICHONASALARY.com
- Trying To Learn From Millionaires In The Making @ MyMoneyBlog.com
- CNN Millionaires in the Making @ ZombieMoney.blogspot.com
- Millionaires in the making: The Rodrigueses @ BostonGals.com
- Perfect Example of Behavioral Finance In Action @ FinancialFitness.blogspot.com
- Retire at 40? Not Such a Pipedream @ BillSavings.com
- Another Millionaire At 33? @ 1stMillionAt33.com
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What do you think of the Rodrigueses? Think they’ll make retirement by 40?
About Philip Taylor
Hi, I'm Philip Taylor. I'm a husband, father, blogger, and entrepreneur. I love learning to do more with my money and sharing it all here with you. Join in on the conversation and start improving your financial life today.